HC Deb 14 June 1921 vol 143 cc197-9
7. Mr. HURD

asked the Secretary of State for War whether, seeing the extent of unemployment, it is still necessary to maintain a Publicity Branch of the War Office to promote recruiting?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for WAR (Lieut.-Colonel Sir R. Sanders)

The promotion of recruiting is only one of the functions of the Publicity Branch of the War Office. I am satisfied that the continuance of this Branch is in the public interest, but I am hoping to effect certain economies in the near future.

Mr. HURD

In so far as employment is found, will the right hon. Gentleman see that preference is given to those who have served in the Army?

Sir R. SANDERS

I will represent that view to my right hon. Friend.

Colonel ASHLEY

Was there a Publicity Department at the War Office previous to the War?

Sir R. SANDERS

I believe not.

Colonel ASHLEY

Why is it necessary to have one now, seeing that the War has been over for two years?

Sir R. SANDERS

I must ask for notice of that question.

Major MORGAN

What are the other branches of publicity that are now required?

Sir R. SANDERS

If the hon. Member will put down a question, I will give him an exhaustive answer.

37. Mr. HURD

asked the Minister of Pensions why it is necessary to maintain a Publicity Branch of his Ministry, seeing the availability to the public of all information as to Pension Regulations, etc.?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of PENSIONS (Major Tryon)

With the assistance of the public Press, which my right hon. Friend gratefully acknowledges, the Publicity Branch of the Ministry, consisting of an experienced journalist, with a clerical assistant, has performed and is still performing much useful work in bringing to the notice of ex-service men and their dependants the benefits to which they are or may be entitled under the Warrants and Regulations of the Ministry. In view of the number of belated claims which are still being received in the Department, and of the misconceptions which still prevail, it is, I think, clear that the time has not yet arrived when the services of this Branch can be dispensed with. I may add that the publicity work of the Ministry has been under examination by the Departmental Committee of Inquiry, whose Report is shortly expected.

Mr. HURD

What method is followed by which these excellent gentlemen perform their work in the Department?

Major TRYON

The method is to try by every means to let the pensioners know everything they are entitled to know. It would be very poor economy if we did not let pensioners know fully what are their rights.

Mr. HURD

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that no ex-service man of whom I have ever heard has been in communication with the Department and these officers?

78. Mr. HURD

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether, in addition to the £19,043 paid to publicity staffs of the ten Departments, there are Press or inquiry officers at these or any other Departments; what are the details of numbers, services, and cost; and has the recommendation of the Lytton Committee as to service in the War been strictly followed in all these publicity, Press, and inquiry appointments?

The FINANCIAL SECRETARY to the TREASURY (Mr. Hilton Young)

The figure in question covers all special arrangements for publicity work in the United Kingdom. As I explained in my answer on the 24th May, the usual arrangements is for publicity work to be performed by the ordinary officials as part of their normal duties. It would not be possible without undue labour to compile a return relating to officials who may, as part of their normal duties, be called upon as occasion may require to do publicity work. The recommendations of the Lytton Committee cover all Departments of the Civil Service, and I have no reason to suppose that they have not been applied to publicity branches. If the hon. Member has any particular case in mind I shall be glad to make inquiries if he will be good enough to send me details.

Mr. HURD

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly make inquiries whether in the War Office itself the men engaged in this work are men who did not serve in the War?

Mr. YOUNG

Perhaps the hon. Member will address some communication to me on that subject, and I will consider the matter further.